John J. Schena

John J. Schena, a long-time resident of Nashua, died on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at the Hunt Community. John had lived at the Hunt Community since 2005 with his wife, Gertrude Maire Pelletier of New Brunswick, who passed away in 2008.

Born in Haverhill, MA, to Louise Roselli of Haverhill and Antonio Schena of Naples, Italy, John attended schools in Massachusetts and graduated from the Haverhill Trade School.

In 1952, John enlisted in the U.S. Air Force with postings to MacConnell Air Base in Wichita, Kansas, and overseas to Luzon, Philippines and Taipei, Taiwan.

Upon return to civilian life, John worked for Hi-Lines Boat Co., then settled in with Avco. During this time, John managed to get married, moved to Nashua, and bought an apartment house on Manchester Street, where he & his wife lived for 28 years. John then worked for Sanders Associates (BAE) followed by GTE Sylvania. Both John and Gertrude traveled extensively in France, Italy, Monaco, Costa Rica, along with many cruises. During his later years, John very much enjoyed a close and loving friendship with another resident of the Hunt, Rebecca Dahlgren.

John was well-known in Democratic political circles in Nashua and was also involved in the Nashua Tax Payers Association and the passage of the Spending Cap Law. He was a member of Post 2 American Legion of Manchester for 19 years.

John is predeceased by his brothers, Michael Schena and Pat Schena, and two nieces, Sandra Carey and Valerie Schena.

John’s survivors include four nieces: Patricia Lemay, Pamela Bennett, Michele Schena, and Brenda Schena; and two nephews: Michael St. Peter and Bruce Schena.

SERVICES: Memorial visitation will be held at Davis Funeral Home on Monday, September 14, 2026, from 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM with a funeral service to immediately follow at 11:30 AM. Friends and family are respectfully invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, John has requested donations be made to The Hunt Community Scholarship Fund.